How do know whatether element emits beta radiation? (1 Viewer)

[sinophile]

I was doing questions from my old, 3rd edition Conquering Chemistry book, when they presented a list of element , with their atomic masses, and asked me "Which of these elements will emit beta particles, and which one alpha particles?"

I have no idea how to find out whether it will emit beta or alpha or both (or whatever). Do you know?

 

[LordPc]

from memory, everything above Bismuth, atomic number 81 I think, is unstable and will emit particles.

There is a nice diagram in chem contexts I believe that clearly shows what particle an atom will emit at what atomic weight. there is like this zone of stability and anything not in that is radioactive. tough to explain, but see if you can get your hands on the book, perhaps at your school library and try to find this diagram

 

[sinophile]

Whoops, sorry, I found out the answeer after talking to my friend.

The element will emit beta particles when the neutronroton ratio is noticeably higher than the 'stable ratio' (approx 1;1 for atomic number approx. 20, 1.3:1 for 50, 1.5:1 for 80). The reason for this is the element wishes to attain stability, and will convert a neutron into a proton and electron. The electron gets emitted as beta-radiation, while the proton stays in the nucleus and brings the atomic number up by one. There is no change in atomic mass.

 

[Pwnage101]

yes, it's very important how you mentioned the neutron turns into a proton and electron, thus the electron is emitted from the nucleus (ie the electrons orbiting the nucleus have nothing to do with it)

 

[kooltrainer]

i can tutor u with a negotiable price

then, everything abt chem course is gona be as clear as clear plastic..

 

[Aerath]

Plastic...isn't necessarily clear. =P

 

[sinophile]

what the fuck are you talking about

 

[Pwnage101]

what the fuck are you talking about

which post was that directed to?

 

[sinophile]

oh, the guy above me, sorry

btw, 100th post fuck yeah

 

[kooltrainer]

basically, emission depends on its stability...
and i wasnt referring to non clear plastic

 

[Pwnage101]

oh, the guy above me, sorry

btw, 100th post fuck yeah